mèngxiǎng: 梦想 - Dream, Aspiration

• Keywords: mengxiang, mèngxiǎng, 梦想, dream in Chinese, Chinese for aspiration, how to say dream in Chinese, what is mengxiang, Chinese dream, Chinese goals, 理想 vs 梦想, HSK 4 word
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 梦想 (mèngxiǎng), the Chinese word for a “dream” or “aspiration.” This page explains how `梦想` is more than just a nighttime dream; it represents a deeply held ambition that requires effort and passion to achieve. Learn its cultural significance, see practical examples of how to use it in conversation, and understand its difference from similar words like `理想` (lǐxiǎng) and the simple `梦` (mèng).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): mèngxiǎng
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A deeply held dream, aspiration, or ambition that one strives to achieve.
• In a Nutshell: `梦想` is the kind of “dream” you talk about when someone asks what you want to be when you grow up. It's not a fantasy or a dream you have while sleeping, but a life goal that you think about, desire, and work towards. It carries a sense of purpose, passion, and long-term effort.

• 梦 (mèng): This character means “dream.” Its structure can be poetically seen as `林` (lín - forest) over `夕` (xī - dusk). Imagine wandering through a forest at dusk—a hazy, dreamlike setting. This character captures the ethereal quality of a dream.
• 想 (xiǎng): This character means “to think,” “to desire,” or “to want.” It's composed of `相` (xiāng - appearance, mutual) above `心` (xīn - heart). So, `想` is literally to have something appear in your heart/mind—the essence of thinking and wanting.

When you combine 梦 (dream) and 想 (to think/desire), you get 梦想 (mèngxiǎng): a dream that you actively think about and desire with your heart. It's an ambition, not just a passing thought.

In Chinese culture, `梦想` is a powerful and highly respected concept. It is often linked to perseverance, hard work, and the importance of education as a path to achieving one's goals. A key cultural touchstone is the “中国梦 (Zhōngguó Mèng)” or the “Chinese Dream,” a term heavily promoted since 2012. It frames individual `梦想` as being intertwined with the nation's collective goal of prosperity and rejuvenation. Compared to the “American Dream,” which traditionally emphasizes individual liberty and upward mobility, the “Chinese Dream” often carries a stronger sense of collective responsibility. An individual's success and the achievement of their `梦想` are seen as contributions to the strength and pride of the family and the nation. Therefore, talking about your `梦想` in China is not just personal—it can also be a statement about your commitment to your community and country.

`梦想` is a common and positive word used in various contexts, from casual chats to formal speeches.

• In Conversation: People often ask each other about their `梦想` when discussing career plans, life goals, or passions. For example, “你小时候的梦想是什么？” (Nǐ xiǎoshíhou de mèngxiǎng shì shénme?) - “What was your childhood dream?”
• As a Verb: It can be used as a verb meaning “to dream of (doing something).” For example, “我梦想成为一名科学家” (Wǒ mèngxiǎng chéngwéi yī míng kēxuéjiā) - “I dream of becoming a scientist.”
• In Media and Motivation: The word is frequently used in song lyrics, movie titles, advertisements, and motivational speeches to inspire people to pursue their goals. It has a very uplifting and positive connotation.

• Example 1:
  • 我的梦想是环游世界。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì huányóu shìjiè.
  • English: My dream is to travel around the world.
  • Analysis: A classic and straightforward example of using `梦想` as a noun to state a life ambition.
• Example 2:
  • 为了实现梦想，他每天都努力学习。
  • Pinyin: Wèile shíxiàn mèngxiǎng, tā měitiān dōu nǔlì xuéxí.
  • English: In order to realize his dream, he studies hard every day.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the connection between `梦想` and effort. The verb `实现 (shíxiàn)` is commonly paired with `梦想` to mean “to achieve/realize a dream.”
• Example 3:
  • 你最大的梦想是什么？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zuìdà de mèngxiǎng shì shénme?
  • English: What is your biggest dream?
  • Analysis: A common and friendly question to ask someone about their ultimate life goal.
• Example 4:
  • 他梦想着有一天能开一家自己的咖啡馆。
  • Pinyin: Tā mèngxiǎng zhe yǒu yī tiān néng kāi yī jiā zìjǐ de kāfēi guǎn.
  • English: He dreams of one day being able to open his own coffee shop.
  • Analysis: Here, `梦想` is used as a verb. The particle `着 (zhe)` can be added to emphasize the ongoing state of dreaming or hoping.
• Example 5:
  • 不要放弃你的梦想！
  • Pinyin: Bùyào fàngqì nǐ de mèngxiǎng!
  • English: Don't give up on your dreams!
  • Analysis: A very common motivational phrase. `放弃 (fàngqì)` means “to give up.”
• Example 6:
  • 成为一名宇航员是他从小的梦想。
  • Pinyin: Chéngwéi yī míng yŭhángyuán shì tā cóngxiǎo de mèngxiǎng.
  • English: Becoming an astronaut has been his dream since childhood.
  • Analysis: `从小 (cóngxiǎo)` means “since childhood,” showing that a `梦想` can be a long-held ambition.
• Example 7:
  • 她正在一步一步地接近她的梦想。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhèngzài yī bù yī bù de jiējìn tā de mèngxiǎng.
  • English: She is approaching her dream step by step.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the process of working towards a `梦想`. `一步一步地 (yī bù yī bù de)` means “step by step.”
• Example 8:
  • 支持孩子的梦想对父母来说很重要。
  • Pinyin: Zhīchí háizi de mèngxiǎng duì fùmǔ lái shuō hěn zhòngyào.
  • English: It's very important for parents to support their children's dreams.
  • Analysis: Shows the social and familial context of `梦想`.
• Example 9:
  • 他的梦想听起来有点不切实际。
  • Pinyin: Tā de mèngxiǎng tīng qǐlái yǒudiǎn bùqiè-shíjì.
  • English: His dream sounds a bit unrealistic.
  • Analysis: This shows that while `梦想` is positive, it can also be described as practical or impractical. `不切实际 (bùqiè-shíjì)` means “unrealistic” or “impractical.”
• Example 10:
  • 每个人都应该有追求梦想的权利。
  • Pinyin: Měi ge rén dōu yīnggāi yǒu zhuīqiú mèngxiǎng de quánlì.
  • English: Everyone should have the right to pursue their dreams.
  • Analysis: `追求 (zhuīqiú)` means “to pursue” and is very frequently paired with `梦想`.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing `梦想 (mèngxiǎng)` with `梦 (mèng)`.

• `梦想 (mèngxiǎng)` = Aspiration, Ambition. This is a goal you work towards.
  • Correct: 我的梦想是成为一名医生。(Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì chéngwéi yī míng yīshēng.) - My dream is to become a doctor.
• `梦 (mèng)` = A dream you have while sleeping.
  • Correct: 我昨天晚上做了一个奇怪的梦。(Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshàng zuòle yī gè qíguài de mèng.) - I had a strange dream last night.
  • Incorrect: 我昨天晚上做了一个奇怪的梦想。 (This would sound like you had a strange ambition overnight).

Another nuance is the difference between `梦想 (mèngxiǎng)` and `理想 (lǐxiǎng)`.

• `梦想 (mèngxiǎng)` is often grander, more emotional, and passion-driven. It can be a bit vague. (e.g., “My dream is to change the world.”)
• `理想 (lǐxiǎng)` means “ideal” and often refers to a more concrete, rational, and well-defined goal, especially a career. It's the practical version of a `梦想`. (e.g., “My ideal job is to be a software engineer at a big company.”)

• 理想 (lǐxiǎng) - An ideal; a more concrete, rational goal or plan, often related to a career.
• 愿望 (yuànwàng) - A wish or desire; typically smaller and less demanding than a `梦想`. (e.g., My wish is to get a new phone).
• 目标 (mùbiāo) - A target or objective; a specific, measurable step towards achieving a `梦想` or `理想`.
• 追求 (zhuīqiú) - (v.) To pursue, to chase after. Often used together: `追求梦想` (zhuīqiú mèngxiǎng).
• 实现 (shíxiàn) - (v.) To realize, to achieve, to make come true. Often used together: `实现梦想` (shíxiàn mèngxiǎng).
• 中国梦 (Zhōngguó Mèng) - The “Chinese Dream,” the national concept linking individual aspiration to collective prosperity.
• 做梦 (zuò mèng) - (v.) To dream (while asleep). Literally “to make a dream.”
• 梦见 (mèng jiàn) - (v.) To see in a dream, to dream of (a specific person or event).